Today is the day for the biggest event of the summer as two championship matches are scheduled to take place at SummerSlam.
First, we have Bianca Belair defending her Raw Women’s Title against Becky Lynch. These two women have been feuding since SummerSlam last year when Lynch made her shocking return and defeated Belair in 26 seconds. Since then the two women have had their separate feuds but came back to battle it out at WrestleMania 38. This time, Belair would seek out revenge and achieved it as she took the gold off of Lynch.
This time we see the same scenario with Belair having to defend at SummerSlam, however, this time she knows Lynch is her opponent. On paper, there is nothing to surprise her. The real thought here is who will come out with this win? Will Belair get her full story redemption or will Lynch beat The EST two SummerSlams in a row taking gold from her?
Nick: Despite seeing this booking several times over the past year, the match between these two at WrestleMania gets me excited for this exchange. I am all over the place when it comes to how this match should/will end. With Alexa Bliss seemingly the next challenger I could see her vs. Becky being the next big feud but I rather see Bliss vs. Belair for something fresher. Bliss teasing more of a heel persona also makes me think she will be the next to face Belair.
Bayley may return here also. I also don’t want to see repeat booking where Belair loses twice at SummerSlam. Because I feel that it is more concrete of what Lynch could do next without winning the belt back and that they will give her a side feud, I am going to go with Belair retaining.
Winner: Bianca Belair
Gary: While I appreciate the ‘full circle’ moment of these two facing off, I feel like it’s too soon to have Becky back in the title picture. Her storyline of losses and frustration was interesting to me and I’d like to see more chinks in her armour develop so a loss here tonight can set that off. Bianca Belair retains (but please not in 30 seconds)
Winner: Bianca Belair
Chris: With Bianca and Becky, I personally think it’s too soon for Bianca to drop the title but I see a lot of potential feuds Becky can have as champ as well. Overall I’m gonna have to go with Bianca because she needs this redemption story from last year’s SummerSlam.
Winner: Bianca Belair
Colby: This is the match I’m most looking forward to on the entire card. I mean, it’s not like we’re working with much anyway. Nevertheless, WWE has managed to execute a year-long story between these two icons. I was completely content with Belair completing her redemption arc at WrestleMania, but I have to say they’ve done a fair job with Becky now seeking her revenge. There’s no doubt these two could very well steal the show like they did at WrestleMania, and I believe the result will be the same. Let’s move on to Belair vs. Ripley.
Winner: Bianca Belair
Next up we have the SmackDown Women’s Championship on the line. Liv Morgan, the ultimate underdog even as a champion, will have to defend against the woman she defeated for the title – Ronda Rousey. Morgan won the Money in the Bank briefcase at the beginning of the month and cashed in the same night and thankfully successfully! Now she has to take on Rousey when she is 100%.
The booking heading into this match is pretty split. Both the champion and challenger have looked good in recent weeks. Morgan just continues to be referred to as an underdog and that could all change if she can get past Rousey this weekend.
Nick: WWE’s normal booking has made Liv seem possible to win here. Or if she does, win clean. I think WWE is going to surprise us here and Liv is going to retain. They surprised us with finally letting her win not only MITB but the belt as it is so I think we are going to get her to retain and move forward as champion. That being said will she be able to do it without a return helping her? We’ll see.
With Shotzi calling out Ronda after SmackDown this week, could she have something to do with the result of this match as well?
Winner: Liv Morgan
Gary: Please WWE, do not end Liv’s reign yet! I do not predict a super clean victory here, not that Liv would cheat but perhaps a ref missing Ronda get the ropes or a dreaded roll up of doom with Ronda snapping on Liv, in the end, to turn heel and continue their program a little longer. Liv Morgan retains. As. She. Should.
Winner: Liv Morgan
Chris: Welllllll no ifs ands or buts I think some type of interference will happen. Either a Sasha/Bayley return together as heels(one can dream) or Charlotte cost Ronda the match to continue their feud without a title and let Liv move on to other challengers. LIV MORGAN FOR THE WIN
Winner: Liv Morgan
Colby: I’m certainly not ready for Liv Morgan to lose the SmackDown Women’s Championship. However, what does Ronda Rousey do without a title and not in the chase? WWE would be wise to let Liv score a definitive victory to solidify her status as champion. Hopefully, that will be the case and Liv will move on to feud with Sonya Deville into the fall.
Winner: Liv Morgan
Other than the matches, the possibilities are endless where things can go and make both memorable. Could we see returns of Bayley or Charlotte Flair? May we get some interferences from the likes of Alexa, Shotzi, or even Rhea? The event takes place tonight at a start time of 8 PM EST.
Check back in with Diva Dirt for a live Discussion Post for SummerSlam during the show.
